Signaling light with motion-sensing light control circuit

Abstract

A signaling light, such as a wand light or flashlight, includes a motion sensor coupled to a controller for lamp intensity. When the light is moved in a first direction, the lamp is powered at a baseline intensity. When the light is moved in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the lamp is switched off or dimmed. When swung in a back-and-forth motion, the light as controlled by the controller thereby appears to move in only one direction, thereby providing a signal indicating a direction of motion.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to portable lights or wands such as are used in signaling traffic or other applications.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]A major use of flashlight signaling devices is for directing traffic, such as automobile and pedestrian traffic. Often, persons directing traffic need a handheld light that can be used to signal pedestrians, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles to move in a desired direction. Current hand signaling lights are designed to emit light at a constant intensity regardless of how the light is being moved. When a light is being moved back-and-forth to direct traffic flow, the people being directed see the light moving back and forth, and cannot see or understand the signaled directional flow. This may lead to confusion and misdirection.[0005]At the same time, swinging a light back-and-forth or from side-to-side is a highly effective signaling technique, because the swinging motion makes the swingi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When a light is being moved back-and-forth to direct traffic flow, the people being directed see the light moving back and forth, and cannot see or understand the signaled directional flow.

This may lead to confusion and misdirection.

However, the swinging motion cannot effectively convey a direction of motion.

Various flashlight or handheld signaling devices are known for directional signaling, but none are able to exploit a swinging motion to provide a directional signal.

Directional signaling lights are known that use lighted arrows or moving light arrays, but such lights are not well-suited for portable use, nor do they make use of a natural swinging motion.

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